It’s been a bit hectic, as I have to change most of my habits and day routine to just read the Bible. And it has yet to happen at regular times, or in large amounts; but I think that it’s OK to start small.

Of all the things that I’ve read the last three days, the verse above, and the passage below are what stick out most to me.

I Peter 5:6-11, 1:3-9 (NIV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

and

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

I read these to my girlfriend yesterday morning when she was feeling stressed about something. And while it definitely helped her, I think it spoke to me as well. I don’t need to worry so much about things. Especially this committing to read only the Bible thing…If for some reason I miss a reading, I don’t think God would want me to stress out, but rather come to Him and just pray. I am protected by His power. :)

I am committing over the next 40 days to spend more time in the Word and in prayer. I’m choosing the number 40 because it is pretty significant in the Bible, and a lot of people went through periods of 40 in which God grew them.

Now what Bible study am I using to do this? None. I am going to read only the Word. NO extrabiblical works at all. No “Purpose Driven Life” or “My Utmost For His Highest” devotionals. I was looking for one to use and then thought, “That would be too easy. Wouldn’t it be more challenging, and helpful, to read only the Word?” Now, if I read an article on Relevant that’s not a big deal. But books and studies specifically meant to be used “along side” the Bible are out.

I don’t know where I’ll start, but I’ll start tonight. And I’ll try to post my thoughts along the way. Tho, if time constraints get in the way, I’ll obviously choose to read the Word and catch up on WordPress later. So we’ll see how this goes. :)